"Who do you think authorized it?Been feeding him information for weeks."The lies flowed easily, born from years of practice."I've got her thinking I'm some undercover hero working with the Luca family to take down our trafficking operation."I laughed again."Girl ate it up.Desperate to believe I'm not the bad guy."
The hurt that flashed across Wren's face looked genuine enough to convince even Vex.She struggled harder against my grip, knee coming up toward my groin.I twisted, avoiding the blow while tightening my hold in her hair.
"Feisty," Vex commented, some of the tension easing from his shoulders."What've you gotten so far?"
"Again.You don’t need to know.I had planned on drawing this out but I’ll finish up with her in a day or two.Then I’ll have all we need to take down Bound in Blood."I let my mouth curve into a cruel smile before raising my gaze to Vex.“It’s only a matter of time.
Vex considered this for a long moment, eyes flicking between us.Finally, he nodded."Take her somewhere and finish up.I'll check in with Acid, confirm your story."His eyes narrowed."If you're lying, Rocky, both of you die.Slowly."
"Fair enough."I jerked my head toward my bike."Come on, princess.We've got lots to talk about."
“You bastard!”Wren spat out as I took her upper arm and marched her toward the park exit.Her body radiated fury, but she kept quiet, smart enough to play along until we cleared the danger zone.
Behind us, the rusted swings creaked in the night breeze, chains rattling like distant warnings.I felt Vex's eyes on my back all the way to my motorcycle, watching, assessing.One wrong move, one slip in my performance, and neither of us would make it out of this park alive.
I straddled my bike then leveled my gaze on Wren.“Get on.”I kept my voice cold, hoping and praying she did what I said without comment or trying to escape.She hesitated but obeyed me, though she bristled.
Once she wrapped her arms around my waist, I started my bike and took off.I navigated the nearly empty streets, my body tense.I checked the rearview mirror for the fourth time in two minutes.No headlights followed us yet, but that meant nothing.The Copperheads knew how to tail someone without being seen.
I took another sharp turn, deliberately forcing Wren to grab me tighter or risk flying off.Her fingers dug into my sides momentarily before relaxing again, refusing me even that small victory.Her anger radiated through her touch, hot and electric against my skin even through layers of clothing.
"Hold on," I growled over my shoulder, but she ignored me, maintaining the barest contact necessary to stay seated.I felt every inch of space between us like a physical wound.The woman behind me believed I betrayed her twice now.I couldn't blame her for hating me.And I knew any chances I had of winning her back were practically non-existent.
My apartment building loomed ahead, lights glowing in scattered windows.I pulled around to the back entrance, parking in my usual spot but angling the bike for a quick escape if needed.I cut the engine and turned to Wren, maintaining my grip on her arm as we dismounted.
"Move," I ordered, shoving her toward the door with more force than necessary.Her green eyes flashed with hatred, but she said nothing, letting me march her inside and up the stairs.My neighbors would talk about this tomorrow, but that ranked low on my list of concerns right now.
I fumbled with my keys at my door, still gripping Wren's arm with my other hand.The moment the lock clicked, I pushed her inside, following quickly and slamming the door behind us.I turned the deadbolt, engaged the chain, then pressed my ear against the wood, listening for footsteps that might indicate someone had followed us this far.
Nothing but silence in the hallway.I turned to face Wren, dropping the act immediately.Her face contorted with fury, fists clenched at her sides, body coiled tight like a spring ready to snap.
"I can explain," I whispered, raising my hands in a placating gesture.“Just give me a minute first.”
I got my scanner and swept the small space for listening devices.I kept a close eye on my private spaces.More than once I’d found a small listening device.Some I left until their batteries died.Others I got rid of immediately.Right now, I needed to be extra sure we were truly alone.
Wren watched my frantic movements, anger slowly giving way to confusion but not softening entirely."What the fuck are you doing?"
"Checking for bugs," I replied without pausing, moving to the bedroom to continue my search."They might have planted something while we were gone.Talk quietly until I finish."
Five minutes later, I completed my sweep.The apartment appeared clean, though that guaranteed nothing.I returned to the living room where Wren stood exactly where I left her, arms now crossed over her chest protectively.
"What the actual fuck, Rocky?"Her voice remained low but vibrated with rage."You set me up?Made me think you gave a shit about me?All to squeeze information about my family?"
I approached her slowly, hands still raised in surrender."I never set you up, Wren.I never texted you tonight.They set us both up."I stopped a few feet from her, giving her space."Everything I told you at the park about working with Vittorio is the truth.I had to play along with what Vex thought or we'd both be dead right now."
"So grabbing me?Threatening me?"Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I had to make it look convincing."I ran a hand through my hair, frustration mounting."I’m so fuckin’ sorry, Wren.I did not want you mixed up in this.Not like this."
"Bullshit.You enjoyed playing the big bad Copperhead."She stepped toward me, jabbing a finger at my chest."I saw it in your eyes.That cold, dead look.That happened easily for you."
"It comes from practice," I admitted quietly."Years of pretending to be someone I'm not.Someone who can do terrible things without flinching."I caught her gaze, held it."But it doesn't mean I enjoy it.Especially not with you."
Wren held my stare, searching my face for truth or lies.The silence stretched between us, taut with unspoken accusations and explanations neither of us had time for.
"I’m going on the assumption my cover is compromised," I finally said."When Vex checks with Acid and learns I never reported working you for intelligence, they will come after us."
"And I'm supposed to just trust you?"She gave a bitter laugh."Again."
